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Dear Editor:
Being a former law enforcement officer in Pennsylvania, I read with extreme interest, the new court program focused on drug offenders.
With my background, at one time, I naturally leaned in the direction of incarceration -- even for some first offenders. However, that was of another time. In today's society and during our national opioid (heroin) epidemic, I truly admire the initiative of Judge Chris Amato with the development of the Columbiana County Municipal Drug Court.
From my understanding, people entering this program will need to obtain a high school diploma, abstain from drugs and alcohol, find employment or be enrolled in a full-time educational/training program, find suitable housing, pay all their fines and restitution. After successful completion of the aforementioned, the person's original guilty plea could be expunged or dismissed. This will give the successful person another chance at moving on with their lives and hopefully being a complement to society.
Judge Amato, with the assistance of Attorney Joey Phillips, are being proactive in attempting to address Ohio being number one in the nation in drug overdoses. Drug and alcohol abuse affects us all, no one is excluded, but the love ones of the abuser suffer the most. It is somewhat understandable that many people do not recognize nor accept the fact that drug and alcohol abuse is a disease, because years ago you were "labeled" then sent to live with someone else or to live under a bridge in a large city because "out of sight, out of mind."
I personally know doctors, attorneys, airline pilots, successful businessmen, truck drivers, laborers, housewives and school teachers who have successfully completed recovery programs and are now a productive members of society.
I feel somewhat qualified to write my comments not only because I previously served in law enforcement, but also, 14 months ago, I lost my grandson due to an overdose. When I stated it severely effects the loved ones, I am talking from my tragic experience.
People need to stop pointing fingers of blame, as the "naysayers" do, and support programs such as this, and others, in an attempt to rid our country of problem that affects us all.
Let's not stay awake at night trying to access who's at fault -- let's look in the mirror and say what can I do to help!
Thank you for your efforts Judge Amato!
Paul Anthony
Calcutta